"But do not get the idea you're anything special. Because you're not."
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Uhmnnn... too late for that.
"being special" in pop psychology probably had its roots in poor self esteem. Little Johnny isn't doing well in school because he has poor self esteem. (Do you realize that teachers are still putting 'good job" stickers - fn stickers of dinosaurs or whatever on HW assignments in 10th grade-wtf is up wid that?). Grading in red pen will hurt Johnny's feelings - boo fucking hoo.
Ditto on the girls, poor self esteem = not assertive. Girls eat this shit up, they love feeling and being treated as special, and now they have too much self esteem. Get it? Too much self esteem, now it's the girls who are the bullies. Very assertive, and very very special.
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The problem with all of this is everyone expects a cookie for doing what they are supposed to do.
Or
They show up for work ten minutes late and you bitch them out and they say "At least I showed up" Wtf is that for an answer?
many people misunderstand the "being special" as privileged or spoiled - the fallacy of the US educational system and general pop psychology.
Even as speculators this creeps in and people's ego and self-grandiosity will get the best of them.
""Yes, you've been pampered, cosseted, doted upon, helmeted, bubble-wrapped," McCullough said in his speech. Yes, capable adults with other things to do have held you, kissed you, fed you, wiped your mouth, wiped your bottom, trained you, taught you, tutored you, coached you, listened to you, counseled you, encouraged you, consoled you and encouraged you again. You've been nudged, cajoled, wheedled and implored. You've been feted and fawned over and called sweetie pie. ... But do not get the idea you're anything special. Because you're not."
